Conquista romana

Lorenzo Mastronardi Sovrani Made Man

[maria-azenha]

Lorenzo was a new face, one that felt needed among the steady rotation of the crowd, and it was refreshing. “I’d love to join you.” Maria didn’t have much longer left in her shift.

The Vixen edged a little closer to the Italian, giving them a better chance to hear one another over the noise. When he mentioned a drink, she saw no real reason to turn it down.

“Give me ten more minutes, then I’m all yours for that drink.” Her shift was nearly over.

[victoriaromana]

As she shifted closer to him, he shifted a little closer to her, a teasing smile on her face. "Just for the drink?" A twinkle in his eyes betrayed he was just being playful, as he was certain she spent every shift being hit on by dozens of men. "I suppose I'm the fiftieth man to tell you that you look lovely tonight."

[felixrodriguez]

Part of what Félix loved so much about London was the hustle and bustle of bodies surrounding you. No matter where you were, you were never truly alone and you were always guaranteed to encounter someone or something new every single day. Though, clearly not everyone in the city agreed with him.

Usually someone bumping into you or another pedestrian was a completely unnoteworthy part of the day, like a cloudy sky or the sun rising and falling. But since this stranger was deciding to make it others' problems, the least Félix could do was throw him a bone. He reached into his pocket and pulled out an ever present packet of wipes (side effects of two, soon to be three small children at home) and offered one to the man in front of him.

"Might I suggest a lid next time? Those usually help with avoiding spills."

[victoriaromana]

Lorenzo was still grumbling under his breath when the wipe appeared. He took it with a grateful nod, dabbing at the spots on his cuff and cleaning off what coffee remained on his hand. "They wanted an extra pound for a lid," he said with a roll of his eyes, tossing the heavily soiled wipe into a nearby bin. "Some save-the-earth bullshit or something like that." The Italian offered his clean hand in thanks. "Appreciate it. Glad to know not all the Londoners are pricks."

[victoriaromana]

What: @mobscene-starters Where: A Busy London Street Who: Open to All

"Hey, fuck you too!" He snapped hotly, swearing as he transferred the now barely full coffee cup to his left hand as he shook the scalding liquid off his right. That was going to leave a mark, He grimaced, dark brown droplets raining down on the already wettened pavement. As if the coffee having cost him 10 pounds wasn't enough of a reason to sour his mood. The individual who had just passed him had knocked into him, clearly not watching where they were going. He hated London. It was almost as bad as Paris, where people treated everyone like the scum of the earth just for existing. If they'd been in Italy, the pedestrian would have been flattened by a share blow to the head. But they were supposed to keep a low profile here when not on a job. "Best keep walking," He said under his breath, drying his hand off on the outside of his now-damp overcoat.

[maria-azenha]

It had been like any other night. Vixen had its usual crowd, with a few new faces scattered through it, and he had been one she picked out instantly during the final song of her set. Maria had extended the invitation herself, though she hadn’t been entirely certain he would accept.

The Vixen accepted the robe offered to her, slipping it on with practiced ease and tying the sash at her waist. A brief glance in the mirror, adjusting nothing, simply confirming. Then she stepped out, heels measured against the floor as she made her way toward his booth.

"You came." There was a note of surprise in her voice, though the smile that curved along her lips was slow, deliberate. Her gaze dropped briefly to the table before returning to him. "And without a drink? We should fix that."

[victoriaromana]

"Sure I did," He said, a slight smile flickering across his lips, "I'm known to do that once in awhile." A teasing smile followed, and he gestured to the seat next to him. "Care to join me?" The crowded atmosphere of the club made it hard to hear, so he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. He was clearly tired, but in good enough spirits. Good enough for being in a French Club, anyway. "I'll only drink if you do, too."

[amaroadriana]

When he told her she’d have to wait until they landed, her lips curved into a grin. "I don’t mind waiting." She replied smoothly. "It makes the reveal more... Exciting."

Her leg didn’t retreat when his pressed back against hers beneath the table. If anything, she adjusted, ever so slightly, so that the contact became more intentional. When he leaned closer, Adriana mirrored him without thinking. And when he teased her about using him for his good looks, her brows lifted faintly as if mildly impressed he’d even dared.

"Your good looks?" She echoed, a soft laugh slipping from her lips. "Ted, I haven’t even decided if they’re useful yet." She allowed him then to reach for her hand and then watched as he diverted and stole her glass instead. Her eyes followed the movement, then returned to him. "You’re cautious." She said meeting his gaze in a way that made it clear she understood exactly why.

As the stewardess refilled her champagne, Adriana leaned back slightly in her seat. "Using you would imply I’ve already made up my mind. And yet, I’m still evaluating." Her gaze dipped briefly to where their legs touched beneath the table. "And so far..." She added, eyes lifting again. "You’re performing well.

"But if I were using you..." She let the words hang in the air for a moment. "You’d enjoy it." She reached forward then, her fingers lightly brushing his wrist as she reclaimed her glass from his hand. "And you wouldn’t complain." It was only then that Adriana lifted the champagne to her lips without breaking eye contact.

[victoriaromana]

"A man has to be cautious," Lorenzo countered, his eyes coolly surveying her with a knowing glint in his eye and a slight smile on his face. "Though a weaker man may be happy to be devoured, I'm afraid, Helen, that's not the particular fish you may have on the line." He'd done two things simultaneously-- told her she may actually be on the an even playing field here, but admitting she could potentially have his interest. Her banter was calculated-- a practiced game, which told him she'd done this many times before. He wasn't the first, and certainly wouldn't be the last. She certainly wasn't Italian, but that didn't mean he couldn't have fun. "I don't doubt it," He said evenly. He gave her a once over with an appraising eye. "I doubt any man would, to be honest. It's not everyday you have Helen of Troy sitting across from you at a table, on your way to a romantic getaway in the most beautiful city in the world."

"So tell me," He said quietly, leaning back, but leaving his leg where it was, "What is it you're looking to get out of life? Your family, as you call them, should be able to give you as much wealth, and probably power, as you'd like, a large house, fast cars... it would appear you could have it all." He reached into his pocket and pulled out the business card she'd given him the first time they'd met. "So is running an Art Gallery a hobby? A cover for the family's business?" A pause, as his eyes flicked up from the card to her eyes, "Or is this something you truly enjoy?"

[victoriaromana]

Spontaneity || Closed Starter || @maria-azenha

Lorenzo entered the club, immediately assailed by the music, crowds, and lights. He frowned slightly in distaste at the noise, but stopped short of making a permanent impression of the place so quickly. While had never truly been a fan of the French, they were a right sight better than the Rutherfords or the Russians. When one of their people had invited him out to experience Vixen, he had grudgingly agreed. And made plans to meet at Vespucci's directly after with several of his associates.

As he found an empty booth, having been unable to spot the Frenchmen, he made himself comfortable, ordering a drink from one of the roving waitresses. It's not that he was a prude. He enjoyed half-naked women as much as the next man, and spent more than his fair share of nights shacked up with one or another of them. But the atmosphere itself- loud, in your face noise- was not really his idea of a good time. Until these people had been to a true Italian wedding, they had not actually seen a good time before. Yes, they could be loud, but that noise wasn't mean to drown out the world. It was meant to feed the soul. The music faded as the song came to an end, and he threw his arm over the top of the booth, relaxing as he waited to the Frenchman, who for all he knew, may never show.

[nadezhdaxyuryeva]

A faint smile touched her lips. “How efficient.” Her eyes studied him carefully. “Tell me...is it the absence you enjoy." A beat. "Or the control it gives you?”

[victoriaromana]

"It's actually the absence of the the constant fucking yapping," He said shortly, downing the last shot and standing up, buttoning his coat.

"Good evening," he said quietly, walking off into the crowd.

[amaroadriana]

Adriana didn’t interrupt him. She never did when a man was building something; it was far too entertaining to watch him assume he was the one in control of it. She simply observed him over the rim of her champagne glass, that faint, knowing smile resting lazily at the corner of her mouth, as though she’d already decided she liked where this was going but, of course, wasn’t about to let him know it.

"Parts of Rome I haven’t seen before?" She echoed softly, her brow lifted just slightly. "That sounds wonderfully unspecific." She wasn’t a woman who fell for presentation alone. She preferred to see what endured once the tension settled.

At the mention of skipping the Coliseum, she gave a small, dismissive wave of her fingers. "Good. I don’t care much for ruins. I prefer things that are... Alive."

Her eyes held his then, but not as a challenge, but more as a quiet acknowledgment. She saw his intensity and she recognized it. When he said the evening would be private, though, that was where her attention shifted. "Private." She repeated, as though testing how the word felt on her tongue.

Her fingers traced the stem of her glass again, but this time thoughtfully. "And what exactly does private mean to you, Teddy?" She asked, voice lowering just slightly. "Secluded? Exclusive?" A faint tilt of her head. "Or the kind of private that requires discretion afterward?" That small grin returned.

When his attention shifted briefly toward the stewardess as the food was set down, Adriana didn’t follow it. She had no interest in what had momentarily caught his eye. Her gaze remained exactly where it had been - on him.

Instead, beneath the table, her leg shifted. Her heel slid slowly along the inside of his calf before settling, unhurried, just brushing there. A quiet claim. When his eyes returned to her, she was already watching him. "You mention jealous Italians." She said lightly. "I don’t frighten easily. And I certainly don’t compete." Her gaze dipped to his mouth for half a second before rising again. Jealousy, actually, in her books, was a welcomed act. "If someone’s going to find us, I’d hope we’ve given them something to talk about."

She leaned back only slightly, not retreating, just giving him space to look at her properly. "So, tell me." She murmured, eyes steady on his. "Are your plans meant to surprise me or tempt me?" Adriana was waiting to see how far he was willing to go.

[victoriaromana]

"Not a history fan, then?" He asked lightly, as if teasing her, "The whole of Rome is alive, and I will show you the best parts-- parts few have had the pleasure of experiencing. But as beautiful as you are, and as convincing as I'm sure you can be, you'll have to wait until we land to find out more." The only reaction she received in response to her movement beneath the table was a slight parting of his lips, but with a small smile he closed them again. "I can assure you, no one will disturb us this evening-- I've pulled some strings to make sure our expensive date is uninterrupted." In response to her final question, he responded, "And hopefully, a bit of both. Though I doubt much would surprise a woman of your status, I do have a couple hidden surprises in store." Lorenzo leaned forward, placing his forearms on the table as he clasped his hands in front of him, drawing closer to her, pressing his calf back against her own leg beneath them. "I suppose the better question is, Adriana," He started, lowering his voice to have some semblance of privacy from the third individual seated toward the rear of the cabin, "is your lecherous heart just using me for my good looks? I'll not be taken advantage of on our little journey, not matter how much I might enjoy it." His tone was playful, and light, one of his hands reaching out as if to take hers. At the last moment, it changed directions and gently pulled her glass from her fingers, holding it up as the waitress emerged from the rear of the plane to refill it for her.

[nadezhdaxyuryeva]

Amusement bled into her eyes.

“Isn’t there a little masochist in all of us?” She let the silence linger. “Strange thing to say, coming from someone who just admitted he’d enjoy drowning us.” Her gaze held his. “What does that make you?” Another beat. “An enthusiast?”

[victoriaromana]

"A professional," Lorenzo retorted evenly, picking up the fresh shot that had been placed before him. "Not all of us enjoy the act itself. Some of us just enjoy the absence of the individual afterward."

[amaroadriana]

Adriana's lips curved into a slight half smile at his words. It sounded almost like a promise and she had long ago stopped building castles out of those. Curiosity, however - that was different. She would always be curious. Always want to know what someone was like when there was no audience to perform for. But that didn’t quite mean she expected anything beyond the present moment. Expectations were what ruined perfectly good days.

So she let Lorenzo throw the intent into the air and answered it with nothing more than that small half smile.

Once the seatbelt sign switched off and the stewardesses appeared with champagne, she settled into her seat properly. One leg crossing over the other, fingers curling loosely around the stem of the glass.

"Roma ti seduce con la storia... E ti trattiene con il peccato."

Her Italian was smooth, almost perfect (at least that phrase). Her eyes lingered on the gold of the champagne as she gently rotated the glass, watching the light catch it. Rafaelle had taught her that line on one of their trips. Rome had always been a place of contradiction to her. Beauty and sin holding hands.

"It is a beautiful city however, I believe different people bring different experiences. I'm excited to see Rome the way you see it." There was no hidden meaning behind that. She simply meant it.

His question made her laugh, though she was not offended, just amused. "Is that the question that has been at the back of your mind?" She took a sip before continuing, a faint grin still present. "Do you want a list of all my ex-boyfriends? I'm sure Jack can prepare a file."

And honestly, he probably could. "As for danger? We did meet in London, you know? I did win your date at a charity event where I am sure you know who is who." A slight shrug followed. "I'm sure you're guessing who I am and what's my place there, too. Wondering if I am here to get some information out of you? Maybe I've got some grand scheme planned?"

She exhaled softly. It was better to get that out now rather than let it hover. "The Rutherfords are people I call my family and are the people I would do anything for. So if you ever feel an itch to point a gun at my sisters or my brothers, I will make sure you don't see the light of day."

She said it calmly. She wasn’t violent by nature. She had never killed anyone. But she wouldn’t hesitate if it came to them.

"My dating history is quite excessive, so I don't want to bore you with details. Dangerous? Some. Though I doubt Leonardo Di Caprio would do anything to you." A playful lift of her brow. "As for watching your back? I think you'd be doing that anyway, no matter who was my ex." Him being Italian already came with complications she could never compete with.

She shifted slightly in her seat, studying him now instead of the champagne. "And what about you? Can I make anyone jealous in Rome? Did I make anyone jealous back in London? Because, if I play my role of Helen of Troy well enough, I feel like I could do more." She wanted his mind stripped of everything else, narrowed down to her, to what she could do to him and what he might beg her to do again.

[victoriaromana]

"Una valutazione equa," He responded smoothly, curious exactly how much Italian she knew. "I can show you parts of Rome you've not seen before," He added, switching easily back to English, "Things to excite even the most ... experienced traveler. Though I wouldn't be counting on a ground-level tour of the Coliseum tonight, I'm afraid I have plans in mind." His gaze held hers without wavering, curious just how far this intensity could be taken without her backing down. Something told him backing down wasn't in this woman's vocabulary, and a small grin spread across his lips at the challenge. Lorenzo was intense in his own way. Perhaps they'd each found their match. At the mention of the Rutherford name, and the possibility of some grand plan she may have been working, the taller man merely nodded in acknowledgement, keeping his demeanor amicable. "It had crossed my mind," He'd admitted casually, "Though I would be lying to say I wasn't pleasantly surprised to see your name under the winning bid. I much prefer your company to some Russian pezzonovante." He had stronger feelings about the whole situation, and her affiliation, but it would be rude to discuss them plainly, and he preferred to keep his hand of cards close to his chest. It was out of habit, necessity, rather, that he'd developed this habit as a young child. And it had served him well throughout his career.

"There's been a few women over the years," Lorenzo allowed, sitting up a bit straighter as food was laid on the table between them by the stewardess. "Thank you," He said politely, turning his eyes from the woman back to Adriana, "And Italians are known to be the intensely jealous type." He sipped his champagne, setting the glass on the table and picking a few grapes from the platter. "I doubt you have much to worry about, however. Unless we're discovered intertwined beneath the stars on the beaches of Santa Marinella tonight, I doubt they'll know you're in Rome. The evening was have planned is quite a ... private one."

[nadezhdaxyuryeva]

"Are you flirting with me?" Nadezhda clucks her tongue at him. "Vespucci would not approve."

[victoriaromana]

A genuine look of revulsion crossed his face.

"Oh, that's right. I forgot you Russians consider being strangled and drowned foreplay. You all really should get your heads looked at. No wonder most of you are serial killer material."

[amaroadriana]

Adriana truly had to thank her brother for pushing her toward a different choice. Not that she wouldn’t have enjoyed her time with Spencer, that was guaranteed, but there was something thrilling about stepping slightly off the expected path and taking a risk.

And it seemed to be paying off.

Rome had not been chosen for the romance of it. It had been chosen because she had done the math. Out of all possible outcomes, that path was the one most likely to put her in front of one of the two Italians who had managed to catch her attention. If she was going to take a risk, she might as well tilt the odds in her favour.

From those two, Vinnie was familiar territory; comfortable, tempting, easy to anticipate in all the ways that mattered. But Lorenzo? Lorenzo was new. He wasn’t predictable yet, and that alone made him interesting. There was something in the way he carried himself, as if he enjoyed holding something back. Not shy. Not unsure. Just selective. That made her curious. She wanted to see what he was like outside of their brief interaction, and what he’d be like over two days, when it was simply the two of them.

"Give it here." She said to Jack, her bodyguard, after security, extending her hand without looking at him. She took her bag herself deliberately. The suitcase would be loaded onto the jet, of course. She hadn’t packed lightly. Adriana never committed halfway.

"I see you upgraded." She smirked as she handed Lorenzo her bag. Before he could retreat, she leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. Just enough to blur the line, in case he had any thoughts of putting a boundary.

"You don’t mind that Jack comes, right?" Her smile turned playful. "I promise he’ll hang back when he needs to. A girl can never be too careful right, Teddy?" She let the nickname settle between them.

Once seated in the jet, she crossed her legs slowly, eyes never leaving him. "So..." Her tone softened, but her gaze didn’t. "What are your expectations?" A slight tilt of her head. "How do you want this to go?"

Because Adriana already knew exactly how she wanted it to go.

[victoriaromana]

"Cheap champagne out of a plastic glass has never been my style," Lorenzo retorted, accepting her bag and handing it off to one of the maintenance workers with a polite nod. Though they would only be gone for a night, she'd packed a full bag-- he hadn't expected much less. The cheek caught him slightly off guard, though his stoic features didn't betray his surprise. He knew this trip would go one of many ways-- if she was as affiliated as he believed, she would likely use it to try to get information out of him. So this kiss was to be expected to put him off his guard. Men were predictable, after all, and he had a strong feeling that she knew exactly how to work them. If she was truly just an art dealer-- a very wealthy one, judging by her bidding-- perhaps it could be a fun day away. She mentioned her bodyguard, and Lorenzo made an unusual choice-- he offered his hand to the man and gave him a small, friendly smile. "Pleasure to meet you, Jack, welcome." He wasn't intimidated by the man's surprise appearance and took it in stride. He'd learned as a young boy that no matter someone's position, you treated them with respect, whether they were the janitor or the CEO. Everyone had a role to play, and a persons value shouldn't be diminished because of their type of work. Additionally, this had kept him alive previously, as it was a constant reminder to himself not to underestimate anyone. Assume everyone- everyone- was capable of killing you, and you'd never be disappointed.

Lorenzo joined her on the plane, and gave her a small smile. "If you get to use a nickname, seems only fair if I do too... Helen, as in Helen of Troy, seems appropriate." The woman who was so beautiful that a war was fought over her. Definitely appropriate. "As far as our venture, I intend to see you get £65,000 pounds worth of enjoyment out of it. I'll leave the details up to your imagination until the time is right." The pilot pulled the hatch closed once they were both settled, and they began to taxi to the runway. "I assume you've been to Roma before, yes? I will say, it has definitely earned its reputation." He glanced out the window as the runway began to move by more swiftly as they gained speed. The stewardess arrived with two glasses of Krug Blanc De Blanc champagne, assuring them hors d'oeuvres would be served as soon as they reached cruising altitude. "So, Helen, I guess we should get it out in the open: any significant others I should know about? Psychotic ex-boyfriends? If I'm going to have to watch my back more than usual when we return, I should know ahead of time."

[victoriaromana]

When In Rome... || Closed Starter || Valentines Day Date || @amaroadriana

A private excursion to taste and see all that the Home Country has to offer. To begin, an early dinner on the top story of the Restaurant Le Colonnette in Rome. A special favor was called in with the management to ensure the candlelight dinner will be the only table on the floor. After food, drinks, and desert, enjoy a private guided tour of the eternal city with La Dolce Vita, while sipping prosecco on a handcrafted Italian luxury boat. To round out the evening, a personal tour of St. Peter’s Square and Vatican City, followed by a great nights rest at Singer Palace Hotel Roma.

Lorenzo stood on the airstrip beside a Gulfstream G550 private charter jet, the staircase descending onto the asphalt tarmac as other aircraft taxied to and from the runway. The noise was loud, but not unbearable, and the weather was perfect for flying-- not a cloud in the sky. Dark sunglasses hid the Italian's eyes as he surveyed the boarding terminal that opened onto the tarmac. The Pilot was already on board, as was the flight attendant, and the maintenance team had just finished fueling the jet and was now loading his luggage into the belly of the plane. A date of this magnitude deserved the best, he decided, so though it was not originally requested from TWI, he'd fronted the money to upgrade from first class seats on a commercial airliner to a private charter. Having spent £65,000, he felt Adriana was entitled to a little privacy and comfort for their journey. He had mixed feelings about this whole venture. It was for a good cause, of course, but the idea of trapesing across the continent with an ally of the Russians was not exactly on his bucket list. And no matter how attractive this woman was, he didn't doubt she could be deadly in her own way. The doors of the terminal slid open silently, and he smiled slightly seeing his date walking through them. Damn she was beautiful, he thought to himself. And he bet she knew it, too. Ready or not, he thought to himself, moving toward her to accept her luggage, here we go.

@amaroadriana

[amaroadriana]

She let her finger drift across his cheek like she was testing what his reaction would be. "Show me." She murmured softly. "Don’t hide anything at all." Her gaze didn’t waver, only made the dare sound like an invitation.

Money well spent.

Her thumb paused at the corner of his mouth, where the smirk threatened to show up. She tilted her head slightly, studying him like she’d already decided he was hers to unwrap. "When do we leave? I'd love to see you at work. Sooner, rather than later."

[victoriaromana]

Lorenzo held her gaze, allowing the slight softening of his eyes. He glanced down to her lips, and then back up to her eyes. The moment felt... electric. The physical tension between them became palpable.

A hand moved forward, lightly wrapping around her waist as he pulled her small body to his, gently pressing them together as he his lips drew closer to hers, his lips parting in anticipation-- And then he pulled away, and the opportunity was gone. A true smirk spread across his features, and he looked her up and down, desire in his eyes but barely hidden behind a teasing smile. "What, let you have a taste before we even begin?" He bantered, turning to pick up the drink that sat on the nearby table and taking a sip. "Please. I do have some sort of self respect. You'll have to at least wine & dine me first."

"Flight leaves at 1400 tomorrow.... don't be late."

[amaroadriana]

@lorenzomastronardi

"Seems like you just can’t get rid of me." She tilted her head slightly, eyes dragging over him. "Maybe it’s time you invested in better tools for that whole pest control situation?" Her grin wasn’t as innocent as she intended it to be.

She stepped closer with her voice lowering. "But careful... If you upgrade the equipment, you might find you actually enjoy the infestation." She offered him a pause., just long enough to make him think.

"I promise, you’ll have a very good time."

[victoriaromana]

He glanced down at her, more than a little relieved he wasn't bringing a Russian to the Home Country. He lowered his voice to match hers, trying to keep the cocky smirk from his lips. "Trust me, sweetheart, the tools I have are top notch. I guarantee they'll get the job done right."

[nadezhdaxyuryeva]

"I rather enjoy your guys confidence....it's enduring."

[victoriaromana]

"I can demonstrate, if you'd like. I hear the bottom of the Thames is lovely this time of year."

[maria-azenha]

"I will keep that in mind. The offer still stands." Maria enjoyed her dinner with Lorenzo. "I am. There are a few dates that sound interesting. Maybe I'll get yours."

[victoriaromana]

"Can't say I'd mind. Though, that one in Portugal seems to have your name written all over it. Shame I didn't come up with that one." "... or, did I?"